The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a seven-day strike notice, escalating tensions within Kenya’s higher education sector. If the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) remains unimplemented, UASU has threatened to paralyze learning activities across public universities starting September 18, 2024. This impending strike could disrupt the new academic calendar, delay graduation ceremonies, and impact approximately 30,000 university employees.
In a press briefing, UASU National Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga detailed the union’s frustrations and outlined their next steps. “The seven-day period is sufficient for the government to avert this strike,” Wasonga stated. The union’s primary grievance revolves around the non-implementation of the CBA, which was negotiated to address salary and working condition issues for university staff.
Wasonga attributed the stalled implementation to the Salary and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Inter-Public University Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF). According to Wasonga, both entities have failed to uphold their responsibilities in negotiating and executing the terms of the CBA. The union’s frustration has been further compounded by what it views as a coordinated effort between the SRC and IPUCCF to obstruct the agreement’s implementation.
The potential strike threatens to disrupt not only the academic calendar but also upcoming graduation ceremonies, which are scheduled for October and November across various institutions. The timing is particularly critical as it coincides with the start of the new academic year, raising concerns about the continuity of students’ education and the overall functioning of public universities.
In addition to the national strike notice, some universities are already grappling with their own labor disputes. Lecturers at the Technical University of Kenya and Moi University are on strike over partial salary payments. They are demanding the settlement of their salary arrears, which have been deferred due to financial constraints faced by the universities. These localized strikes have already impacted the academic schedules at these institutions and reflect the broader dissatisfaction among university staff.
While the union’s broader strike threat looms, there have been some positive developments. Notably, Masinde Muliro University recently signed a CBA with its staff, which Wasonga commended as a positive step. However, this move contrasts sharply with other universities that have yet to finalize their agreements, highlighting a significant disparity in how different institutions are addressing the CBA’s terms.
The CBA, agreed upon in 2021, was designed to enhance the salary structure and working conditions for university employees, who have long been advocating for better compensation and job security. The failure to implement the CBA as agreed has led to mounting discontent, underscoring the urgent need for resolution.
The potential strike by UASU could have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the academic activities but also the financial stability of public universities. The government and relevant bodies now face a critical deadline to address the union’s demands and prevent a widespread disruption in Kenya’s higher education sector.
As the September 18 deadline approaches, stakeholders are urged to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the issues at hand. The resolution of this dispute is crucial for maintaining the stability and effectiveness of Kenya’s higher education system, ensuring that students can continue their studies without further interruption and that university staff receive the compensation and working conditions they have long been promised.
